UCalgary alumni who are faculty and staff are in for a special treat: Mexican food with a side of Cirque du Soleil

OK, so you’ve had fajitas before and, truth be told, you’re obsessed with guacamole and, yes, you’ve likely seen a mariachi band — but when was the last time you got a side sizzle of Cirque du Soleil?

We’re banking on . . . never?

You can change that on Thursday, Sept. 5, when Cirque’s dancing fish heads make a special appearance at an incredible Mexican-themed luncheon-entertainment extravaganza open to all faculty and staff who are UCalgary alumni. This event celebrates all those who once called UCalgary “home” as a student and now call it “home” in their careers.

Luzia, Cirque’s latest production — running under the Big Top at Stampede Park until Sept. 22 — is a tribute to Mexican culture, history and traditions. Cast members will share a taste of this spectacle during the alumni lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mac Hall A/B.

You won’t get all the razzle-dazzle at lunch, but you’ll still get a taste of Mexican magic, as well as a chance to win one of five pairs of tickets to the main show. Plus, the dancing fish heads will be roving around the room, giving plenty of time for some bizarro photos.

Register for the alumni staff and faculty lunch.  

This exclusive lunch officially kicks off Alumni Weekend, Sept. 5 to 8, which will feature many other events — all of which, outside of this event, exclusive only to staff and faculty who are UCalgary alumni, are open to alumni and friends.

For example, on Friday, Sept. 6, alumni will come together with community members and current students at the Alumni Block Party, just ahead of the Dinos football kickoff game. The carnival-like fun zone will host games, photo booths, a barbecue and the popular dunk-the-dean fundraiser in support of the Student Emergency Fund. Then, we’ll head over to nearby McMahon Stadium to watch the Dinos take on the University of Manitoba Bisons.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, both the main and downtown campuses will host a number of provocative sessions covering topics such as fake news, neuromyths in child development, virtual reality, and professional blunders. A highlight will be a lunchtime conversation between alumna and New York Times investigative journalist Susanne Craig, BA’91, and Chancellor Deborah Yedlin. Along with two other Times reporters, Craig won a Pulitzer Prize earlier this year for investigating U.S. President Donald Trump’s finances.

To close out the festivities, Alumni Weekend takes to the road on Sunday, Sept. 8, for the inaugural Chancellor’s Ride in support of the Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund. The ride winds for 40, 80 or 113 kilometres (depending on your stamina) through Kananaskis Country.

“Whether alumni join us for part or all of the weekend, we know our guests will be able to plan an amazing weekend that works for them,” says Michael Sclafani, associate vice-president (alumni engagement and partnerships).

Make Alumni Weekend part of your weekend Sept, 5 to 8. Register now.